Word Origin & History

late 14c. (adv.) "moreover, in addition," from Latin item (adv.) "likewise, just so, moreover," used to introduce a new fact or statement, probably from ita "thus," id "it" (see id) + adverbial ending -tem (cf. idem "the same"). Thus "a statement or maxim" (of the kind formerly introduced by the word item), first recorded 1560s. Meaning "detail of information" (especially in a newspaper) is from 1819; item "sexually linked unmarried couple" is 1970, probably from notion of being an item in the gossip columns. Noun sense of "an article of any kind" (1570s) developed from adverbial sense of "moreover, in addition," which was used before every article in a list (such as an inventory or bill).

Example Sentences for item

Item, the clyster repeated in the evening, as above, thirty sous.

I thanked him for the item, resolving to add it to my list of curious Americanisms.

And I did not feel it essential to my regard for him to know every item of his past.

Tall Clemence made a dirty remark about every item that she touched.

He had two carts laden with luggage—one item, a green parrot in a cage.

"Item," said Calhoun again, getting his arms out of the vacuum-suit sleeves.

Caligraphy was the item before them now, and on it they turned their well-trained brains.

Why don't you cut that item out—shove it over until next year?

The item was among those under the head of “Personal and Social.”

The latter's address was, so the Item said, "a triumph of oratorical effort."